Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has congratulated Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the newly crowned 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, describing his ascension to the throne as a major blessing for the ancient city and its people.
Atiku expressed strong confidence that Oba Ladoja will bring positive changes to Ibadan through his vast experience in business, governance, and public service.
In a congratulatory message shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, Atiku said Ibadan is fortunate to have a monarch with such a wide-ranging worldview and proven leadership qualities.
“I congratulate my brother and compatriot, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja Arusa I, on his installation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadan,” Atiku said.
“I am confident that Oba Ladoja will bring his wealth of experience as a businessman, politician, and seasoned administrator into his new role as the Olubadan.”
Oba Ladoja, a respected elder statesman and former governor of Oyo State, was officially crowned as the Olubadan of Ibadan earlier this week after receiving the blessings of the traditional council and completing all necessary rites.
Atiku, who worked closely with Ladoja during their time in government, recalled how Ladoja’s time as governor laid the foundation for what is today considered modern Oyo State.
“Just like his tenure as governor created the template for the development of modern Oyo State, Oba Ladoja will create an impact as Olubadan that every son and daughter of Ibadan — and friends of the city like me — would be proud of,” he wrote.
The former vice president called on the people of Ibadan and the entire Oyo State to unite behind the new monarch, saying that his reign represents the beginning of a “new and glorious era.”
“I join other friends and associates of Oba Ladoja to congratulate the good people of Ibadan and Oyo State as a whole to welcome the dawn of a new and glorious era of Oba Ladoja’s reign,” Atiku concluded.
Oba Ladoja’s coronation was met with widespread joy and celebration across Ibadan, a city known for its deep-rooted cultural heritage and respected traditional institution.
The Olubadan of Ibadan is the traditional ruler of Ibadan land, one of the largest and most influential traditional kingdoms in the South-West region of Nigeria. The throne is widely respected for its orderly succession process and its strong link to Yoruba heritage and culture.
